{"id":47029,"date":"2003-12-03T15:07:11","date_gmt":"2003-12-03T20:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47029"},"modified":"2026-07-31T09:08:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T13:08:00","slug":"thanks-pal-by-eileenk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=47029","title":{"rendered":"Thanks, Pal (by EileenK)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Story Summary:\u00a0 Adam is severely injured and when he wants to die, he comes face to face with his Guardian Angel, who appears several times throughout the story.\u00a0 A sort of spoof of the movie \u201cIt\u2019s A Wonderful Life\u201d, but with a different twist.
\nRating and Reader Alerts:\u00a0 Rating is G even though there is pain, suffering and sickness in this story.
\nWords:\u00a0 9,500<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters have included this story by this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy<\/a>. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.\u00a0 The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.<\/p>\n

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NOTE: I intended this to go under the \u201cA Cartwright Gets Injured\u201d fanfic challenge, but it kept growing into a longer story, so I posted it as a separate story.<\/span><\/p>\n

DISCLAIMER:\u00a0 The Cartwright characters were created by Mr. David Dortort and I claim no rights or privileges to their characterizations.\u00a0 All other characters in this story are products of my imagination and any resemblance to any person whether living or dead is coincidental.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thanks, Pal<\/strong><\/p>\n

******<\/span>
\nPROLOGUE:<\/span><\/p>\n

He was unconscious again, but for how long THIS time.\u00a0 The last twenty-four hours had been a living nightmare.\u00a0 More than once during those twenty-four hours he prayed that death would come.\u00a0 Each time he had succumbed to unconsciousness, he thought his prayer was being answered.\u00a0 But then several hours would pass and he would regain consciousness again.\u00a0 Then the nausea would come and then the cold and hot chills along with profuse sweating, and then he\u2019d begin to tremble.\u00a0 And the PAIN\u2026there was always the pain.\u00a0 Several times he had to relieve himself, but the pain was too unbearable when he attempted to get up, so this time he just lay there while he relieved himself.\u00a0 He was ashamed of soiling himself so wretchedly, but the pain was too great to even change positions.<\/span><\/p>\n

His family wouldn\u2019t even miss him for another day, and they wouldn\u2019t even know where to start looking for him.\u00a0 All this happened because he wanted a few days off to do some thinking.\u00a0 As sick as he was, he could still remember that disaster of a conversation with his father, the reason for this time away\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Father and son stood toe to toe, hands on hips, each determined to have his way in the matter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re being stubborn and obstinate, Pa, and totally unreasonable!\u201d Adam said to his father, the younger man\u2019s dark eyes appearing even darker because of the anger he was feeling inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019M being stubborn and obstinate?\u00a0 I\u2019M being totally unreasonable?\u00a0 I could say the same thing about you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Being a couple inches shorter than his father, Adam looked up into the older man\u2019s eyes for a few seconds then stepped away, his back to his father.\u00a0 He clasped his hands behind his neck and looked up at the ceiling.\u00a0 \u201cCalling each other names is getting us no closer to an agreement with each other,\u201d Adam said, his voice sounding weary and frustrated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026that\u2019s the first thing you\u2019ve said all night that I agree with.\u00a0 Now let\u2019s just forget this notion of yours to leave the Ponderosa and become a seaman, shall we.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam unclasped his hands quickly and whirled around to face his father again.\u00a0 \u201cIt isn\u2019t just a notion, Pa!\u00a0 It\u2019s a dream I have!\u00a0 Surely YOU of all people can understand THAT!\u00a0 It\u2019s something I really want to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, Adam, I CAN understand.\u00a0 I understand all too well.\u00a0 And I know it\u2019s something you want to do, but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut what, Pa?!\u00a0 But WHAT?!\u201d Adam cut in quickly, stepping closer to his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need you here at this particular time, Adam.\u00a0 I\u2019ve got three important deals I need your help with and I don\u2019t need the added problem of my oldest son wanting to run away and\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRun away?!\u00a0 Pa, you make it sound like I\u2019m a child!\u201d\u00a0 Adam said in a loud voice and walked towards the staircase.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m a grown man!\u00a0 I\u2019m not a child, Pa\u2026I\u2019m not a child!\u201d he said as he reached the bottom step.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell you\u2019re MY child!\u201d Ben bellowed out loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head and huffed in disgust and took a step up the staircase.\u00a0 \u201cThis is getting us nowhere!\u00a0 I\u2019m going to pack some things,\u201d he said and took another step up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHold on there!\u201d Ben said, rushing over to him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat are you going to do, Adam?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Without facing his father he said, \u201cI need a couple days to think.\u00a0 I need to live my own life, Pa.\u00a0 I can\u2019t live yours or Joe\u2019s or Hoss\u2019, I need to live my own life.\u201d\u00a0 This he said very calmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAway from the Ponderosa?\u00a0 You need to live your life floundering around on the sea?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need time to think, Pa.\u00a0 I want to go away for a couple of days and think about everything.\u00a0 Neither one of us can talk rationally to the other when we\u2019re both in this frame of mind.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be back by noon Monday, then maybe we can sit down like two grown men and discuss this calmly and rationally.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI need to get away to think!\u201d Adam cut in.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t wait for his father\u2019s answer, he just went quickly up the staircase.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026\u201d Ben called after him, but that didn\u2019t stop Adam.\u00a0 Ben heard the door to his eldest son\u2019s room close.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

He had journeyed to the high country to Pyramid Lake for some fishing, then he headed over to the mountains to do some hunting.\u00a0 Because the terrain was thickly wooded, he dismounted Sport and led him through the trees and brush.\u00a0 He stepped carefully over fallen logs, around brush and old rotting trees, and dodged low hanging tree limbs while he walked, leading Sport.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because his mind was so intent on the conversation he had with his father, he wasn\u2019t paying attention to where he was walking and walked right into a low hanging limb that knocked his hat off, and scratched his face.\u00a0 He bent and picked up his hat and continued to walk forward, wiping at the scratches on his face with his handkerchief.\u00a0 Then it happened\u2026He must have stepped into a trap set by a previous hunter to these woods.\u00a0 He stepped onto a group of sticks that triggered the release of a small sapling that sent a spear-sharp stick deep into his leg, right above his knee.\u00a0 Had he been riding his horse instead of walking in front of him, the spear-like stick would have embedded itself in Sport\u2019s leg, crippling him, and Adam would have had to destroy his long time faithful mount.<\/span><\/p>\n

He immediately fell to the ground, writhing and screaming out in agony, as he grabbed at the place of his injury.\u00a0 He broke out into an immediate total body sweat and his hands trembled like leaves in the wind as he fumbled for, and then found his pocketknife, cutting his pants around the protruding stick.\u00a0 Taking a deep breath to gain control, and though his hands still trembled, he grabbed onto the stick, set his teeth tightly together and with a quick yank, pulled on the stick.\u00a0\u00a0 When the stick refused to come all the way out, his screams of agony rang out through the woods and the screams seemed to bounce off the trees filling his ears with the sounds.\u00a0 With his body shaking violently, he broke the stick off, leaving a small length embedded in his leg.\u00a0 Only surgery by a qualified doctor could remove it, and there didn\u2019t seem to be any within crawling distance just now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Right now he wished someone would come along and put him out of his misery.\u00a0 He believed if someone put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger, it would be a blessing.\u00a0 He thought about doing it himself, but then he thought about the disgrace and shame on his father and brothers if he committed suicide, so he quickly forgot that idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

He would just have to die from the infection his body was ravaged with.\u00a0 He just wished it would hurry up and happen.\u00a0 His leg, at the wound site, was swollen twice its size now and having ripped the seam in his pants leg, he could see red streaks reaching out in all directions like tentacles on an octopus, and of course there was always the pain\u2026the constant, searing hot pain in his leg.\u00a0 Oh, and let\u2019s not forget the vomiting because of the infection.<\/span><\/p>\n

His eyes were closed and he prayed out loud for someone to come along and relieve him of life.\u00a0 All this happened just because he wanted some time away to think.\u00a0 Well, he was thinking alright.\u00a0 He was thinking he wished to die.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust send anybody, God.\u00a0 Or ANYTHING\u2026even a wild animal.\u00a0 Just let me die so the suffering will end,\u201d he pleaded, his voice cracking in pain, just before he vomited again.<\/span><\/p>\n

He coughed and spit out the last of the vomit from his mouth and when a canteen of water was put to his lips he took the liquid willingly, though he didn\u2019t look to see who had offered it to him, because he liked keeping his eyes closed.\u00a0 \u201cThank you,\u201d he managed to get out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With all his might he wished for death before he succumbed to unconsciousness again.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Things seemed to be different around him now.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know what it was, but things were different.\u00a0 His leg still hurt, and he could still feel the pain, but in a way he COULDN\u2019T feel the pain.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t explain it.\u00a0 And he couldn\u2019t explain how he happened to be lying on his bedroll and covered up with his blanket, his canteen nearby.\u00a0 After his injury, he couldn\u2019t even stand up to remove the saddle and roll to make himself a bed.\u00a0 And he was dressed in a clean shirt with only the blanket covering his lower body.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on here?\u201d he said in a groggy voice.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s happened?\u00a0 Is anyone here?\u201d\u00a0 His eyes looked in every direction, then he saw something, from the dense stand of trees beyond him, moving towards him and he blinked several times to clear his vision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI must be seeing things,\u201d he said out loud as he stared straight ahead of him at the white, billowing-robed figure standing before him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d Adam asked of the now dusty, dishelved, black-clothed stranger with three days growth of beard on his face, who sat in front of him, picking his teeth with a splinter of wood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d the stranger said with a\u00a0 finger pointing to himself.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I\u2019m your Guardian Angel,\u201d he added matter of factly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gave him an incredulous look.\u00a0 \u201cYou are, huh.\u00a0 Yeah, well you look like the kind of angel I\u2019d have.\u00a0 A FALLEN angel if you ask ME.\u00a0 You have a name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be ridiculous.\u00a0 Angels don\u2019t have names.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell I\u2019d feel kind of dumb talking to an angel with no name.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then\u2026what name would you like me to have?\u201d the angel asked as he proceeded to clean under his fingernails with the splinter of wood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gave his odd visitor a critical look.\u00a0 \u201cI know what I\u2019d LIKE to call you,\u201d he said in a mumbling tone..<\/span><\/p>\n

The angel gasped, shook his finger at him, and said, \u201cShame on you.\u201d\u00a0 The angel went on to tsk-tsk him.\u00a0 \u201cI wouldn\u2019t answer to that name even if you gave it to me.\u00a0 That\u2019s not a very nice name to be calling your guardian angel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know what name I\u2019m thinking of?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m an angel\u2026remember.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s only reply was a look of continued suspicion.\u00a0 With the help of the angel, Adam managed to haul himself up to a sitting position to lean his back against a large tree.\u00a0 \u201cYou know\u2026you look very familiar.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI should.\u00a0 I look just like you.\u00a0 That\u2019s how we make sure we hook up with the right mortal.\u00a0 We look for the one who looks like us and\u2026POOF\u2026there we are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you do in the case of identical twins?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh that\u2019s easy.\u00a0 There\u2019s TWO of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell what happens to you when your mortal dies?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe find another one to look like and hook up with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you just go on and on\u2026indefinitely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell what if I don\u2019t WANT you to be my guardian angel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a matter of WANT, Adam\u2026it\u2019s a matter of NEED.\u00a0 You NEED me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a fact.\u00a0 Well where were you when I needed you to keep THIS from happening,\u201d Adam said, pointing to his wound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh I was right with you, but I LET that happen you see.\u00a0 You should thank me instead of being critical of me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTHANK you?!\u00a0 For letting this happen?!\u00a0 Why should I thank you?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you left your family to THINK, so I\u2019m giving you the opportunity to do your thinking.\u00a0 See, you really should thank me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have an answer for everything don\u2019t you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course I do.\u00a0 I\u2019m practically perfect.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re just about the most arrogant somebody I\u2019ve ever met.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a SOMEBODY\u2026I\u2019m an angel\u2026remember.\u00a0 So what do you want to think about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, pal, I don\u2019t need you to help me think.\u00a0 I know what I want to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that my name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPal.\u00a0 Is that the name you want to give me?\u00a0 At least it\u2019s better than that other name you were thinking of.\u00a0 That one was down right shameful,\u201d the angel said, shaking his head and giving a slight shudder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright\u2026if it\u2019ll make you happy, I\u2019ll call you, Pal.\u00a0 Now\u2026PAL\u2026will you just leave me alone.\u00a0 I don\u2019t feel like talking anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u00a0 I\u2019LL do the talking then\u2026YOU just listen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to do that either.\u00a0 I just want to be left alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019re kind of at a disadvantage here you know.\u00a0 YOU CAN\u2019T go anywhere and I\u2019m NOT going anywhere, so I\u2019m just stuck here with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYOU\u2019RE stuck here with ME!\u00a0 THAT\u2019S a new twist.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know\u2026rather unpleasant isn\u2019t it.\u00a0\u00a0 I mean I\u2019M getting the raw end of the deal, but it\u2019s like you mortals always say\u2026it\u2019s a dirty job, and somebody\u2019s gotta do it\u2026.Er\u2026in this case an ANGEL\u2019S gotta do it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you\u2019re real funny,\u201d Adam remarked sarcastically.\u00a0 \u201cIf you don\u2019t like being here with me, you can always leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNooo,\u201d Pal drawled out.\u00a0 \u201cIf I left, you wouldn\u2019t come to understand.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstand what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It was as if Pal had hit a raw nerve when Pal said that.\u00a0 \u201cOh, I understand my father alright.\u00a0 He\u2019s stubborn\u2026At times he\u2019s controlling\u2026And he treats me like a child more often than I care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s generous\u2026He cares, all the time\u2026and he loves you.\u00a0 He treats you like a child because that\u2019s what you are\u2026his CHILD.\u00a0 You\u2019ll always be his child.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just what I mean, Pal.\u00a0 He treats me like his child rather than an ADULT.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo you think making a rash decision to enlist as a seaman constitutes you being an ADULT?\u00a0\u00a0 Adults don\u2019t make rash decisions\u2026CHILDREN do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow you sound like HIM.\u00a0 I thought since you\u2019re MY angel, you\u2019d be on MY side.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I AM, I am.\u00a0 But I know a dumb decision when I hear one.\u00a0 And you going to sea is a dumb decision,\u201d Pal said, shaking his head, and adjusting his wings, which were invisible to Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks a lot\u2026PAL!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you\u2019re quite welcome.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, will you just shut up!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you wish.\u00a0 I\u2019ll just sit here then.\u00a0 Uh\u2026you don\u2019t mind if I hum or sing softly do you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shrugged, indicating he could care less what Pal did.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re going to do whatever you want to do anyway, so go ahead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrue enough,\u201d Pal said and made himself comfortable by stretching out on his back with his hands behind his head.\u00a0 \u201cAhhh,\u201d Pal said, giving a satisfied sigh.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked over at Pal and shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cHow can you possibly be comfortable on all those briars underneath you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal pointed beneath him, and Adam could see several inches of space between the angel and the briars, just like he was suspended in air.\u00a0 \u201cRemember\u2026I\u2019m\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn angel\u2026I know,\u201d Adam cut in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal nodded his head, smiled, then placed his hands behind his head again.\u00a0 \u201cAhhh,\u201d Pal sighed contentedly again, crossing his feet at his ankles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy father really IS stubborn, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s your father\u2026that gives him that right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNOBODY has the right to be stubborn.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how do you justify YOUR stubbornness then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m NOT.\u00a0 I call it being decisive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a fact.\u00a0 Well how would you define the word stubborn?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked thoughtful for a few seconds, then answered.\u00a0 \u201cWhen someone refuses to change.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Still floating on his back with his hands behind his head, Pal said, \u201cThat\u2019s what YOU\u2019RE doing.\u00a0 You refuse to change your decision to become a seaman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam bristled at Pal\u2019s comment.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s different\u2026and I thought I told you to shut up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, YOU\u2019RE the one who started this conversation, not ME.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, well, you seem to have a talent for confusing things and twisting them around.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal removed his hands from behind his neck and spread his arms and palms out.\u00a0 \u201cHey\u2026I just see things as they really are.\u00a0 There\u2019s nothing confusing or twisted where I come from.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed deeply and he had a far-away look in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cWell things get pretty confusing and twisted where I come from,\u201d he replied quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026you have to deal with mortals.\u00a0 I DON\u2019T,\u201d Pal said and placed his hands behind his head again and began to hum softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam listened to the song Pal hummed, then asked him.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019s the name of that song you\u2019re humming?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean you don\u2019t recognize it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I recognized it, I wouldn\u2019t have asked you what the tune was,\u201d Adam said in an annoyed tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal continued to hum as he floated contentedly on his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a bit, Adam said, \u201cThat\u2019s the same tune my mother\u2019s music box plays.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u00a0 Hmm, I didn\u2019t know that,\u201d Pal said in an innocent tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked over at Pal suspiciously.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you said you were perfect and knew EVERYTHING.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal sat up and looked at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 What I DID say was\u2026I\u2019m PRACTICALLY perfect and I never claimed to know EVERYthing.\u00a0 You need to pay better attention to what\u2019s being said.\u201d\u00a0 Pal shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest.\u00a0 \u201cNo wonder you mortals are forever misunderstanding each other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMisunderstand.\u00a0 I\u2019m more than just misunderstood.\u00a0 Sometimes I think it would have been better if I had died being born.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTsk-tsk\u2026you mustn\u2019t say things like that, Adam,\u201d Pal admonished him with a shake of his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u00a0 It\u2019s true.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s your opinion, friend.\u00a0 And you\u2019re entitled to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe if I had died instead of my mother, my father wouldn\u2019t have had such a hard life trying to make a living.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure your father told you the story many times, Adam, but he could have stayed in Boston after Elizabeth died and reared you there.\u00a0 He had a good business going for him and he could have become wealthy doing what he was doing, yet he made the decision to leave all that behind.\u00a0 Was it the RIGHT decision?\u201d\u00a0 Pal shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cSome ways yes\u2026some ways, no.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gave his guardian angel a no-nonsense look.\u00a0 \u201cIn all the years I\u2019ve known my father, I\u2019ve never known him to make a wrong decision.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the wrong decisions he HAS made?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam cocked his head and looked at his angel sideways.\u00a0 \u201cWhat decisions were those?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026it\u2019s not my place to disclose such matters to you.\u00a0 That\u2019s your father\u2019s place.\u00a0 But we\u2019re not talking about your father here.\u00a0 This is all about YOU, and you thinking everybody would be better off if you had died and your decision to become a seaman.\u00a0 Both of those are just plainly not the most sensible things you\u2019ve ever said or decided, you know that, don\u2019t you.\u00a0 And everyone always says how sensible and level-headed you are.\u00a0 Tsk-tsk.\u00a0 But I guess they haven\u2019t seen you like I\u2019M seeing you right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how\u2019s that, may I be so bold as to ask,\u201d Adam asked sarcastically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, I\u2019ll tell you.\u00a0 I see Adam Cartwright as feeling sorry for himself; selfish and arrogant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam gave his angel a hard look.\u00a0 \u201cRemind me to invite you over when I want cheering up,\u201d Adam said in a mocking tone of voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal, the angel, slapped his thighs with his open palms.\u00a0 \u201cNow you see\u2026that\u2019s just what I\u2019m talking about!\u00a0 That was an arrogant statement if ever I heard one!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell you\u2019re hard to reason with Pal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u00a0 Because I don\u2019t agree with everything you say or want to do?\u00a0 That makes me unreasonable?\u00a0 I think it makes YOU selfish because you want things YOUR way about your decision.\u00a0 And you left your family on the ruse that you needed time to think, when in reality you were feeling sorry for yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there anything NICE you can say about me?\u00a0 I mean after all, you\u2019re my angel, and a fella\u2019s guardian angel should have SOMETHING nice to say about him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I could, but I\u2019m not.\u00a0 What I WILL say is, you need to draw from your father\u2019s wisdom, Adam.\u00a0 He\u2019s been around a lot longer than you have.\u00a0 Trust him and respect him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI DO, but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts.\u00a0 Trust his judgment.\u00a0 Besides, does it really matter when you go to sea?\u00a0 Can\u2019t you wait a few months\u2026 a few years?\u00a0 Does it really matter WHEN you go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at Pal and wanting to end this conversation, he said, \u201cI really need to relieve myself\u2026do you think you could\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Adam gestured with a wave of his hand, indicating to Pal that he wanted him to leave while he took care of business.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, go right ahead.\u00a0 It\u2019s just us fellas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam eyed his angel suspiciously.\u00a0 \u201cWell, how do I know that you won\u2019t pull a switcheroo on me and turn into a FEMALE angel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey\u2026it doesn\u2019t work like that.\u00a0 You\u2019re a fella, you get a HE angel; females get SHE angels.\u00a0 See that\u2019s the way that works.\u00a0 But if it\u2019ll make you feel better, I\u2019ll just scoot on over there and you can call me back when you\u2019ve finished.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Pal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNooo problem.\u201d\u00a0 Pal, the angel, stood to his feet and made his way to another area and turned his back.\u00a0 Soon Adam called him back over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow to pick up where we left off\u2026Does it really matter WHEN you go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI guess not, but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts.\u00a0 You can\u2019t live for just yourself, friend.\u00a0 Because those who live for themselves, live a lonely life.\u00a0 Now\u2026what about putting off that decision of yours like your father wants.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I could.\u00a0 Alright\u2026I\u2019ll do as my father wishes.\u00a0 I\u2019ll wait.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal, the angel, rubbed his hands together and smiled.\u00a0 \u201cGood\u2026now that that\u2019s settled, it\u2019s time for me to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam straightened at this announcement.\u00a0 \u201cGo?\u00a0 Go where?\u00a0 What about helping me get out of here?\u00a0 What about fixing my leg for me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal spread his palms upright.\u00a0 \u201cHey, I was sent here to help convince you to change your mind.\u00a0 I don\u2019t mess with things that require God\u2019s help,\u201d\u00a0 Pal said, then began to back away from Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam extended his arm and held out his hand towards Pal.\u00a0 \u201cWell\u2026wait\u2026you can\u2019t just leave me here.\u00a0 You\u2019re supposed to be my Guardian Angel\u2026you\u2019re supposed to be watching over me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI HAVE been.\u00a0 I\u2019m in your subconscious thoughts keeping your mind off your pain and nausea.\u00a0 Now your family will take over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut they don\u2019t know where I am,\u201d Adam pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA parent knows.\u00a0 When their children need them\u2026they know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut wait, Pal.\u00a0 Wait!\u201d\u00a0 Adam pleaded as he saw Pal backing away then vanish into the thicket beyond.\u00a0 \u201cBut I need\u2026help.\u00a0 I need\u2026help.\u201d\u00a0 Adam lay on his back and closed his eyes.\u00a0 Once again the excruciating pain overwhelmed him and he cried out, then doubled over.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere he is, boys!\u00a0 I found him!\u201d\u00a0 It was Ben\u2019s voice.\u00a0 He dismounted his horse and ran over to his oldest son, who lay unconscious in his vomit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss reached Adam\u2019s body seconds after their father did.\u00a0 The sight of the oldest Cartwright son repulsed them.\u00a0 Not only did Adam have several days growth of beard, but it was matted with saliva and vomit.\u00a0 His hair was plastered to his head with sweat.\u00a0 His clothes were dirty and torn and the pant leg covering his hurt leg was ripped up the side from ankle hem to waist.\u00a0 His leg was swollen and had begun to turn a greenish color.\u00a0 He lay in his own waste material.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben placed his fingers alongside Adam\u2019s neck to feel for a pulse.\u00a0 His two other sons looked at their father for the outcome of his finding.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s alive.\u00a0 Joe, bring all the canteens\u2026we\u2019ve got to get him cleaned up of all this filth.\u00a0 Hoss\u2026you make something we can transport him on to the nearest town.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got to get him to a doctor just as soon as we can, his leg is in real bad shape.\u201d\u00a0 Joe and Hoss nodded, then did as their father requested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPal\u2026please don\u2019t go,\u201d Adam said in a voice, hoarse with the lasting remains of his last bout of vomiting.\u00a0 He started moving about and reaching out in front of him.\u00a0 His eyes opened and he looked into two dark brown eyes looking back at him.\u00a0 He was confused and troubled at seeing Pal resemble his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPal?\u201d\u00a0 Adam questioned, his eyes full of confusion, as he touched the face behind the two brown eyes looking back at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u00a0 placed his hands on Adam\u2019s shoulders and pushed gently.\u00a0 \u201cLie quiet, Adam.\u00a0 You can talk later.\u00a0 Right now, we\u2019ve got to fix you up here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy leg\u2026it hurts\u2026real bad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son, we\u2019re gonna get you to a doctor.\u00a0 Joe\u2026hurry up with that water,\u201d he said as he finished removing Adam\u2019s soiled clothing.\u00a0 Joe ran the last few steps and handed one canteen to Ben.\u00a0 Ben pulled off his bandana and wetted it thoroughly.\u00a0 Joe did the same and together they worked at bathing Adam, removing\u00a0 the filth on his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they were finished cleaning him, Hoss picked him up as if he was a small child and gently carried him and placed him on the travois he had made.\u00a0 Ben covered him from neck to feet with a blanket and tucked it securely around and under him to ready him for the trip into town.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s about two miles to the nearest town, Adam.\u00a0 We\u2019ll get you to the doctor there,\u201d Ben said with a loving hand on his son\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was so nauseated, and his fever so high, he didn\u2019t realize anything going on around him, so he didn\u2019t acknowledge his father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t be an easy trip, Adam, but we\u2019ll go slow to keep from jarring you around too much,\u201d Ben said to him, but Adam had become unconscious again, so Ben gave the command to start.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe held the reins to Sport, while Hoss pulled Adam along behind Chubb.\u00a0 Ben rode beside Adam to make sure everything stayed in place.\u00a0 Ben thought with any luck at all they could have Adam at the doctor\u2019s office in Lowell in an hour.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

As Ben predicted, they reached the town of Lowell in just under an hour.\u00a0 Ten minutes prior to entering the town, Adam had gained consciousness and had been screaming and writhing in agony.\u00a0 They had to stop while Hoss and Joe held Adam down so Ben could lash him more securely to keep him from hurting himself more severely.<\/span><\/p>\n

His son\u2019s screams of pain and words of pleading to end his life so the suffering would stop, ripped at Ben\u2019s heart.\u00a0 Never had he experienced heartache like he was experiencing now.\u00a0 Oh, he knew heartache\u2026that of burying three wives, but there is no heartache like that of hearing your child, no matter how old they may be, cry out in desperation and agony and knowing there\u2019s nothing you can do to help him.\u00a0 The pain of that was almost unbearable for the older man and he nearly succumbed to breaking down, but he determined to stay strong for Adam\u2026and for Joe and Hoss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben immediately dismounted his horse and ran into the doctor\u2019s office, and found a man sitting behind a desk going over paperwork.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you the doctor here?!\u201d Ben said as he burst through the door and faced the man.<\/span><\/p>\n

The man nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes, I\u2019m Dr. Jeremiah James.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDoctor, I\u2019m\u2026I\u2019m Ben Cartwright and my son\u2026My son\u2026he\u2019s hurt badly!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBring him in,\u201d the doctor said, and immediately stood up.\u00a0 Ben\u00a0 immediately ran back outside to his sons.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBring him!\u201d Ben said when he reached Adam\u2019s side and began to unlash the ropes that were binding him to the travois.\u00a0 Between the three of them, they managed to pack the injured man inside and to the bed pointed out by the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss placed himself over Adam\u2019s thrashing body until the doctor administered a sedative to his new patient.\u00a0 When the laudanum took effect and Adam lay still, the doctor inspected the injury.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow did this happen?\u201d the doctor asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2026don\u2019t know, doctor.\u00a0 We found him like this,\u201d Ben replied in choking words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen did it happen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know that either.\u00a0 He was due home yesterday at noon and when he didn\u2019t come\u2026we rode all night looking for him.\u00a0 Can you help him?\u201d Ben asked the doctor, who had been inspecting Adam\u2019s injury all the while.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Mr\u2026Cartwright, was it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u00a0 Ben Cartwright, and these are my sons\u2026Joe and Hoss and he\u2019s my other son, Adam,\u201d Ben said, speaking of the dark haired man on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cCan you help him?\u201d Ben asked again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to have to perform surgery on his leg to remove that embedded object.\u00a0 His leg is so badly infected, I can\u2019t even tell what it is that\u2019s in his leg.\u00a0 And the sooner the surgery, Mr. Cartwright, the better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis leg looks\u2026\u201d Ben started, then stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 Gangrene has set in.\u00a0 What do you want me to do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at him dumbly.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do I want you to do?\u00a0 I want you to make him well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u00a0 I mean about his leg.\u00a0 You do know I might have to take his leg if the gangrene is too widespread.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYa mean cut it off?!\u201d Hoss asked quickly.\u00a0 \u201cPa, ya cain\u2019t let \u2018im do thet tuh Adam!\u00a0 Ya cain\u2019t!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know that you\u2019ll have to do that, do you, doctor.\u00a0 I mean, you don\u2019t KNOW that,\u201d Ben said to the doctor his eyes full of pain, worry and pleading.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour son is suffering greatly, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 He needs all the relief he can get.\u00a0 DO I operate?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo what you can to remove whatever is in his leg, but the other\u2026only as a last resort\u2026and let me know before you\u2026let me know first,\u201d Ben said in answer to the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

The doctor nodded.\u00a0 \u201cVery well.\u00a0 I\u2019ll do what I can.\u00a0 Now\u2026if you gentlemen will wait out in the front office, I\u2019ll get started with the surgery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded, then looked down at his son lying helpless on the bed, and brushed the dark hair back from the younger man\u2019s forehead.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss stood on either side of Ben and they could see the pain on his face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon, Pa,\u201d Hoss said with a strong arm placed around his father\u2019s shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s let the Doc work on Adam,\u201d he added and tugged on his father.\u00a0 Joe did the same and Ben and his two sons left the oldest son and brother in the care of an unknown doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

The clock on the doctor\u2019s wall ticked away the hours while the three Cartwright\u2019s paced and waited for news of the fourth Cartwright.\u00a0 It was Hoss who broke the awful silence in the room.\u00a0 \u201cYa want somp\u2019n tuh eat, Pa?\u00a0 We ain\u2019t had nuthin\u2019 since yesterdee at lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss, thank you.\u00a0 I\u2019m not hungry right now,\u201d Ben said as he had stopped pacing and stood staring out the window of the doctor\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss exchanged glances and Joe stepped over to Ben and placed a loving hand on his arm.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa\u2026Adam\u2019s gonna be alright,\u201d Joe said with as much encouragement as he could.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked over at his youngest and smiled but said nothing, then turned his gaze back out the window.\u00a0 \u201cHe wouldn\u2019t be here like this if I had been a better father more than a controller,\u201d Ben commented.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you can\u2019t blame yourself for Adam\u2019s accident.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t your fault he\u2019s hurt,\u201d Joe countered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded.\u00a0 \u201cYes it is.\u00a0 Yes it is.\u00a0 If I had treated him like an adult instead of like my child and listened to him, he wouldn\u2019t have gone off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss came to stand beside his father and a concerned expression appeared on his face.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Joe\u2019s right, Pa.\u00a0 Ya cain\u2019t go blamin\u2019 yerself fer whut happened tuh Adam.\u00a0 T\u2019weren\u2019t yer fault.\u00a0 Adam wouldn\u2019 want ya tuh think like thet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf he loses his leg\u2026if that boy loses his leg\u2026it\u2019ll be MY fault,\u201d Ben said as though he hadn\u2019t heard either of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three of them stood in a huddle when the doctor emerged from the back room.\u00a0 \u201cMr. Cartwright\u2026\u201d the doctor said as he walked towards them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Three heads turned when they heard the doctor\u2019s voice.\u00a0 Their eyes and hearts were full of both trepidation and hope as they waited in anticipation for the doctor\u2019s prognosis.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam saw a black-clothed figure standing in the corner of the room leaning his shoulder against the wall.\u00a0 \u201cPal, there you are,\u201d Adam said.\u00a0 \u201cI thought you had left me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The one to whom he spoke, pushed away from the wall and walked near the foot of the patient\u2019s bed.\u00a0 \u201cNo, of course not.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never left you.\u00a0 Not even for a minute.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I thought for awhile you were my father.\u00a0 I mean\u2026I thought he found me and came to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, he DID.\u00a0 He brought you here,\u201d Pal said, gesturing around the room with a wave of his arm.\u00a0 \u201c\u2026to the doctor\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m at the doctor\u2019s?\u00a0 So he fixed my leg?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026he did surgery on it to remove that piece of stick still in it.\u00a0 But he still has to deal with the other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOther?\u00a0 What OTHER is that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour leg is pretty badly infected.\u00a0 He might have to\u2026you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u00a0 He might have to what?\u00a0 You mean amp\u2026he might have to amputate my leg?!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I mean, friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam became alarmed at that.\u00a0 \u201cBut you can\u2019t let that happen, Pal!\u00a0 It feels fine!\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t even hurt now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it doesn\u2019t hurt\u2026right NOW.\u00a0 You\u2019re still unconscious, you can\u2019t feel anything.\u00a0 You don\u2019t even know what\u2019s going on around you.\u00a0 All you know is you and me\u2026here\u2026talking to each other\u2026.just like when we were out in the woods.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you can make my leg better, Pal.\u00a0 You can make it better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal walked to stand beside Adam\u2019s side.\u00a0 \u201cI told you\u2026I\u2019m just an angel.\u00a0 I don\u2019t have the power to perform miracles.\u00a0 That\u2019s God\u2019s privilege and His alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut He\u2019ll listen to YOU won\u2019t He.\u00a0 I mean\u2026God will listen to YOU!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal laid a hand on his mortal\u2019s shoulder and looked into his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t do anymore than YOU or your family can, and that is to ask Him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026you\u2019re an angel.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts,\u201d Pal said and backed away, disappearing into the shadows before the doctor brought Ben into the room to see Adam.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss followed.\u00a0 Walking up to stand beside his son, Ben looked down into the face of his son, whose eyes were closed and he lay so very still.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will he wake up, doctor?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure.\u00a0 He had quite a heavy dose of laudanum when you first brought him in and then the ether I administered during the surgery\u2026he could be out for quite awhile yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould we sit with him?\u201d Ben wanted to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you can.\u00a0 Just call me if he starts to thrash around,\u201d the doctor said with a comforting hand on Ben\u2019s arm, then he was gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben, Joe and Hoss found chairs and pulled them over beside Adam\u2019s bed and all three sat down.\u00a0 Three sets of eyes looked on the face of the oldest son and brother, then looked at each other before they settled back into their chairs.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s injury weighed heavy on each of their minds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Out in the waiting room, the doctor had told them that the removal of the object in his leg had been successful, but that it had torn a muscle and even if he didn\u2019t have to amputate the leg, it would be likely that Adam would lose the mobility in that leg and be unable to put any weight on it, thereby rendering him crippled and more than likely confined to crutches, or a wheelchair for the rest of his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Pal,\u201d Adam said to his guardian angel, who stood near his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook at how worried they look.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because they ARE worried.\u00a0 Did you think they wouldn\u2019t be?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts,\u201d Pal cut in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I was going to say was, I KNOW they\u2019re worried, but I feel Pa\u2019s more than just worried.\u00a0 It\u2019s like he feels guilty about something.\u00a0 I know that look on his face and it always means he feels guilty about something that\u2019s happened.\u00a0 But what could it be this time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean a bright, educated boy like you can\u2019t guess why your father would be feeling guilty at this particular time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam suddenly looked enlightened.\u00a0 \u201cYou mean\u2026you don\u2019t mean he\u2019s blaming HIMSELF for what happened to me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s EXACTLY what I mean.\u00a0 He feels that if the two of you hadn\u2019t argued, you wouldn\u2019t have left the ranch and you wouldn\u2019t be here now, fighting to keep your leg attached to your body.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut he mustn\u2019t do that.\u00a0 It wasn\u2019t his fault.\u00a0 I probably would have gone off anyway, even if I HAD conceded and did what he wanted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know that and YOU know that, but you can\u2019t convince HIM of that if you stay unconscious.\u00a0 Try, Adam.\u00a0 Try and wake up.\u00a0 Your father needs your reassurance.\u00a0 Try, Adam.\u00a0 Try\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Pal\u2019s voice trailed off as Adam\u2019s eyelids began to flutter slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sat close to Adam\u2019s bed with his hands folded and his head face down on his hands.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss sat in much the same position on the opposite side of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyelids continued to flutter until they remained open and he blinked hard once or twice to bring his vision into focus.\u00a0 His eyes fell on the lowered white head close to his elbow and he opened his mouth to speak, but his tongue felt thick and his mouth dry as dust.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cP-Pa,\u201d he said, his voice gravelly because his throat was scratchy and raw.\u00a0 \u201cPa,\u201d he said again in the same tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Hoss\u2019 head that came up.\u00a0 One look at Adam\u2019s open eyes and he touched his father on top of his head.\u00a0 \u201cPa, Adam\u2019s awake,\u201d Hoss said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s head came up suddenly, as did Joe\u2019s.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s expression was one of sheer joy when he saw the dark eyes of his oldest son looking back at him.\u00a0 He placed his hand on top of Adam\u2019s head and patted it several times.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, son.\u00a0 Adam,\u201d Ben said with a happy smile on his face and moist eyes.\u00a0 \u201cDoctor!\u201d Ben called out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Almost immediately, Dr. James appeared in the room with them and stood beside the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWa-water,\u201d Adam choked out while Dr. James listened to his patient\u2019s heart and checked his other vital signs.\u00a0 Joe poured water in a glass from the pitcher beside Adam\u2019s bed and placed a hand behind his brother\u2019s head and lifted it carefully so he could drink from the glass.\u00a0 Adam sipped the water and lavished the way the coolness of it bathed his dry, raw throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough for now,\u201d Dr. James said as he pulled the glass away from Adam\u2019s lips.\u00a0 \u201cToo much at once might make him nauseated,\u201d the doctor added.\u00a0 Joe set the half full glass of water back on the bedside table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you feel like talking?\u201d the doctor said, directing his question at Adam.\u00a0 He nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat was quite a nasty injury.\u00a0 I did what I could at the time, but you\u2019re not out of the woods yet,\u201d the doctor explained to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cH-how\u2026did you\u2026find me?\u201d Adam asked his father in a weak and strained voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, when you were overdue, I got worried about you and I remembered you telling me about a place you went to last time you went off to do some thinking.\u00a0 So, that\u2019s where we went first and that\u2019s where we found you.\u00a0 And it\u2019s a good thing we did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPal said\u2026you would know\u2026where I was,\u201d Adam replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

His father and brothers looked at him curiously.\u00a0 \u201cWho is Pal?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was there\u2026with me.\u00a0 Did you\u2026see him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u00a0 We didn\u2019t see anybody.\u00a0 Who is he?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s my\u2026guardian angel,\u201d Adam said in a very sincere voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss, Joe and Ben gave each other an incredulous and slightly bemused look, then Joe looked at Hoss and mouthed the words, \u2018guardian angel?\u2019\u00a0 Hoss shrugged his shoulders, pointed to his head and mouthed the word \u2018fever\u2019 back to Joe, and they both nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben patted Adam on the shoulder, not exactly knowing what to say in response to his always-level-headed son\u2019s not-so-level-headed statement, so he just continued to pat Adam\u2019s shoulder while he thought of something to say.\u00a0 \u201cWell, uh\u2026Adam\u2026why don\u2019t you get some more rest and we\u2019ll talk more when you\u2019ve had more rest,\u201d Ben said, patting his son\u2019s arm all the while he talked to him, then started to stand up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam grabbed his father\u2019s hand, preventing him from standing.\u00a0 \u201cWait, Pa\u2026I have\u2026to tell you something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can tell me later, son.\u00a0 You don\u2019t have to talk any more now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa.\u00a0 I have to\u2026tell you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben continued to pat Adam\u2019s arm.\u00a0 \u201cYou can tell me later, Adam\u2026you must rest now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t rest\u2026until I\u2026tell you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Adam, alright.\u00a0 Tell me what you want to say and then you rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026about the argument.\u00a0 I\u2019ll do\u2026like you asked.\u00a0 I\u2019ll\u2026wait.\u201d\u00a0 Adam closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep before Ben had a chance to reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben blinked his eyes rapidly to hold back the tears and he smiled down at his eldest son with admiration.\u00a0 \u201cYou sleep now, son, then we\u2019ll do some more talking.\u00a0 You sleep now,\u201d Ben said, his voice tight with emotion and love.<\/span><\/p>\n

The doctor checked all of Adam\u2019s vital signs again, then let out a sigh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it, doctor?\u201d Ben questioned of the look on the doctor\u2019s face and the sound of his sigh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis temperature is climbing and his heart rate is beginning to quicken,\u201d the doctor answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt means the infection in his body is deepening and he\u2019s running out of time.\u00a0 If I don\u2019t amputate his leg soon\u2026\u201d the doctor intentionally left the thought dangling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s face grew taut in a frown.\u00a0 \u201cI need more time to decide what to do,\u201d he said in a strained voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour son is running OUT of time, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 You MUST make a decision.\u00a0 If I don\u2019t amputate, he\u2019ll die.\u00a0 I\u2019ll leave you to decide, but I must stress how great a toll this is taking on your son\u2019s health.\u00a0 He grows weaker by the hour.\u00a0 But it\u2019s YOUR decision.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow much longer can we wait before it\u2019s too late for you to operate in order to save his life?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not even sure you HAVE any more time to wait.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at the doctor but didn\u2019t reply.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be out in the front office\u2026when you\u2019ve decided what you want me to do.\u00a0 But for your son\u2019s sake, I wouldn\u2019t wait too long,\u201d the doctor said and placed a friendly hand on Ben\u2019s arm, then left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

The three Cartwright\u2019s continued to stand together after the doctor left and the silence in the room was deafening.\u00a0 Finally, unable to stand the silence any longer, Hoss spoke.\u00a0 \u201cWhat\u2019re ya gonna do, Pa?\u201d he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben had a look of utter despair on his face and the same despair could be heard in his voice.\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s only one thing we CAN do, Hoss,\u201d he replied, then looked down at his injured son.\u00a0 \u201cAt least he\u2019ll be alive,\u201d Ben added in a voice filled with pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa, you can\u2019t do that to Adam,\u201d Joe responded.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not as close to him as I am to Hoss, but I know that if you have his leg amputated, he\u2019d rather be dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI agree with Joe, Pa.\u00a0 I r\u2019member once when I wuz jest a little feller an\u2019 me\u2019n Adam went tuh town with ya\u2026Joe stayed home with his Ma cuz he was too little tuh cum \u2018long\u2026but enyway, whilst me\u2019n Adam wuz waitin\u2019 fer ya tuh cum back out tuh the wagon, we saw a man walkin\u2019 down the street an\u2019 he had only one leg.\u00a0 I r\u2019member laughin\u2019 at \u2018im and thet made Adam real mad at me an\u2019 he tol me never tuh laugh er say nuthin\u2019 bad \u2018bout nobody like\u2019at ever agin.\u00a0 Then he said somp\u2019n I ain\u2019t never forgot.\u00a0 He said, if he ever lost \u2018is leg, he hoped they\u2019d jist let \u2018im die, cause people don\u2019t like to look at a man with jist one leg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt least he\u2019ll be alive.\u00a0 I\u2019d rather he have just one leg and be alive, than to see him buried with two legs,\u201d Ben said in response.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about what Adam would want, Pa?\u201d Joe questioned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t about what Adam wants, Joe\u2026it\u2019s about keeping him alive,\u201d Ben countered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa, you head what Hoss said,\u201d Joe threw back at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s MY decision, Joe,\u201d Ben defended.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShouldn\u2019 we wait til Adam wakes up agin tuh ask \u2018im whut he wants, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked with a hand on his father\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe might not wake up again, if the doctor doesn\u2019t operate.\u00a0 I have to decide NOW.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Pa, cain\u2019t we wait jist a LITTLE while longer so\u2019s we kin ask \u2019im,\u201d Hoss pleaded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard the doctor, Hoss\u2026we don\u2019t HAVE much time to wait,\u201d Ben countered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Pa\u2026Just a little longer.\u201d\u00a0 This plea came from Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at his two younger sons, then back to his eldest and nodded.\u00a0 \u201cAlright\u2026we\u2019ll wait a little longer,\u201d he conceded and the three of them sat back down in their chairs beside Adam.\u00a0 \u201cWhile we wait for him to wake up once more, I suggest you pray that I make the right decision for him.\u00a0 Or better yet, pray the infection will leave his body,\u201d\u00a0 Ben added with a great deal of emotion in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be asking for a miracle, Pa,\u201d Joe offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joseph\u2026a miracle.\u00a0 A miracle is exactly what we need,\u201d Ben replied.\u00a0 \u201cEXACTLY what we need.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want my leg cut off, and I don\u2019t want to die,\u201d Adam said to Pal, who sat on the edge of his bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t have it both ways, friend,\u201d Pal answered as he crossed his arms over his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you have ANY influence you can use in the miracle department?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal rubbed his chin with his forefinger and thumb and looked thoughtful for a few seconds.\u00a0 \u201cI MIGHT have.\u00a0 All I can do is put in a good word for you.\u00a0 But I can\u2019t make any promises.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI understand.\u00a0 Do what you can.\u00a0 I just hate to see my father so grieved over something that was MY fault.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see what I can do,\u201d Pal said and hopped down off the bed and started to walk away, but not before Adam grabbed his arm.\u00a0 \u201cPlead for HIS sake, Pal\u2026not MINE,\u201d Adam said to him in a sympathetic tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pal nodded his head, then slipped quietly away and vanished.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben raised his head, then stood to his feet and began to move away from Adam\u2019s bed.\u00a0 \u201cWe can\u2019t wait any longer, boys, I have to tell the doctor my decision.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss both stood quickly to their feet beside their father.\u00a0 \u201cWhat have you decided, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, and both he and Hoss looked at their father for his answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want Adam alive.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to tell the doctor to do the surgery\u2026and hope I made the right decision for him.\u00a0 But more than that, I hope Adam forgives me for making it.\u201d\u00a0 Ben left quickly before Joe and Hoss had a chance to respond, but they followed their father out into the front office to where the doctor was.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

After Ben told Dr. James of his decision, the doctor placed a sympathetic hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder and spoke kindly to him.\u00a0 \u201cI know this is a difficult decision for you, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 I wish the medical field was more advanced for situations like this, but unfortunately it isn\u2019t.\u00a0 I wish I didn\u2019t have to take your son\u2019s leg, but sadly\u2026there\u2019s no other way to save his life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded, knowing that what the doctor was saying to him was true.\u00a0 The doctor squeezed Ben\u2019s arm, then went into Adam\u2019s room and closed the door behind him.\u00a0 Ben stood and stared at the closed door for several seconds before Joe and Hoss came with an arm around his shoulders leading him to a chair.\u00a0 He sat down and closed his eyes and hoped and prayed he had made the right decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

The time passed slowly for the three Cartwright\u2019s waiting in the front office.\u00a0 The only words spoken were from Hoss to his father telling him that everything would be alright.\u00a0 When they heard the door to Adam\u2019s room open, they immediately stood to their feet and turned their attention that way.\u00a0 The doctor came out of Adam\u2019s room and found three pair of very tired eyes, full of worry looking back at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour son\u2019s awake.\u00a0 You can go in and see him,\u201d Dr. Jeremiah James said as he looked into Ben\u2019s distressed eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s he taking it?\u201d Ben asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo on in,\u201d the doctor replied and urged Ben inside the room.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss followed their father, and the doctor followed them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben hurried to Adam\u2019s bedside and put a smile on his face for Adam\u2019s benefit.\u00a0 Two bright, dark eyes looked back at him and a smile graced his handsome face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Adam said in greeting.\u00a0 \u201cThe Doc says I\u2019ll be up and around in no time,\u201d Adam added, his voice strong and sure.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled at his son and at the good spirits he seemed to be in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you will,\u201d Ben agreed in an encouraging tone, then he stood back and looked at his son\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m so glad you\u2019re in such good spirits, son\u2026I was afraid after the doctor told you about your leg, I thought maybe you would react differently.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReact differently?\u00a0 When I was out in the woods, I knew my leg was bad and for awhile I thought I might even lose it, but Dr. James tells me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMIGHT lose it?\u201d Ben interrupted him.\u00a0 \u201cDoctor, didn\u2019t you\u2026\u201d Ben whirled around and faced Dr. James, who had a big smile on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t have to take his leg, Mr. Cartwright.\u00a0 When I was cleaning and preparing his leg for amputation, I noticed the swelling had begun to go down and his temperature and heart rate returned to normal and I could even see signs of fresh new skin beginning at the wound site.\u00a0 It seemed as if the dam of infection in his body burst and his own healing process took over.\u00a0 Your son is very lucky, Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLucky?\u201d Ben replied and his eyes became moist.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to think we had help from Above,\u201d he said quietly and reverently, and turned his eyes upward and said a silent prayer of thanks.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the muscle in his leg, doctor?\u00a0 You told me the muscle in his leg was damaged,\u201d Ben said, in a hopeful tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

The doctor shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cWell, all I can say is, his guardian angel must be pretty fond of him.\u00a0 THAT might heal normally too.\u00a0 Now\u2026everyone out\u2026my patient needs rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben, Joe and Hoss looked at each other and then at Adam.\u00a0 \u201cNow that we know you\u2019re going to be alright,\u00a0 I\u2019m suddenly very hungry,\u201d Ben said to Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow yer talkin\u2019,\u201d Hoss said, rubbing his hands together briskly.\u00a0 \u201cI could eat a ton a-food.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can ALWAYS eat a ton of food,\u201d Adam teased.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe cackled out his laugh and Ben joined in.\u00a0 \u201cOne more remark like thet, older brother, an\u2019 I\u2019ll\u2026\u201d Hoss said with a mock look of hurt on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll WHAT?\u201d Adam chimed in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll eat yer supper too,\u201d Hoss said with a laugh and a playful, loving cuff to Adam\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on boys,\u201d Ben said as he placed an arm around Joe and Hoss.\u00a0 \u201cLet\u2019s get something to eat and let your brother rest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but first I want to know one thing, Adam,\u201d Joe responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you were out of your head earlier with fever, you said when you were in the woods that your guardian angel was with you,\u201d Joe snickered.\u00a0 \u201cWhat I want to know is\u2026do you really believe in guardian angels?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuardian ANGELS?! Come on, Joe, I\u2019m a grown man,\u201d Adam answered, though a glint of\u00a0 knowing amusement shone in his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cJust thought I\u2019d ask,\u201d Joe replied as the three of them left Adam\u2019s room and closed the door behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

When his father and brothers were gone, Adam settled himself in the bed for resting and closed his eyes.\u00a0 Beside Adam\u2019s bed stood Pal with his arms crossed over his chest and a big smile on his face.\u00a0 He looked down at Adam and touched two fingers to his forehead and said, \u201cTil next time, friend.\u201d\u00a0 Then Pal exited the room and at the same time, Adam felt a slight breeze blow across his face.\u00a0 He opened his eyes, smiled, and said, \u201cSee you \u2018round, Pal.\u201d\u00a0 He closed his eyes again and drifted off to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

******<\/span><\/p>\n

Epilogue:<\/span><\/p>\n

The trip back to the Ponderosa was a difficult one for Adam because of his leg.\u00a0 It was very stiff and sore and he had to be helped on and off his horse for the entire trip.\u00a0 Dr. James had assured him that with proper rest and taking his recovery slowly and not putting too much strain on his leg and with proper strengthening exercises, the muscle in his leg would repair itself and return to normal with time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss had already retired to bed and Adam was stretched out on the settee reading, but looked up when his father, from his chair by the fireplace, spoke his name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis would be a good time for us to talk, son, now that you\u2019re home and seem to be improving every day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam closed his book and placed it in his lap.\u00a0 \u201cWhat do you want to talk about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026when you were so sick, I did a lot of thinking about that argument we had before your accident.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I\u2019ve forgotten all about that, Pa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, now hear me out.\u00a0 I was wrong in trying to make you do as I wanted.\u00a0 I only saw you as my child, instead of an adult.\u00a0 An adult who needs to live his own life\u2026make his own decisions and mistakes.\u00a0 As a father, I wanted to protect you from what I believed to be a mistake, but I realized I was the one who made the mistake by not allowing you to decide for yourself what you wanted to do with your life.\u00a0 I\u2019m sorry, Adam.\u00a0 From now on I\u2019ll try to treat you like an adult with adult ideas, and I\u2019ll only offer my opinion when you ask for it.\u00a0 And you can come to me ANYTIME for ANYTHING.\u00a0 I hope you know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Pa.\u00a0 You don\u2019t know how much that means to me.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been doing a lot of thinking myself.\u00a0 I was selfish in wanting things MY way or NO way.\u00a0 I was also thinking that my wanting to become a seaman is a dream I have, but one that can be realized at ANY point in my life\u2026and not necessarily at THIS particular time.\u00a0 So with that said,\u00a0 I\u2019m going to postpone realizing that dream and hang around here for awhile longer.\u00a0 That is, if you can put up with me,\u201d Adam said with a slightly lopsided grin and a gleam in his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him and said, \u201cI think I can endure you for awhile longer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Father and son exchanged loving glances, then Ben stood and squeezed Adam\u2019s shoulder then took his coffee cup into the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam raised his eyes upward and smiled and said, \u201cThanks, Pal\u2026wherever you are.\u201d\u00a0 He picked up his book and began to read where he left off.<\/span><\/p>\n

From high Above, Pal touched two fingers to his halo and said, \u201cNoooo problem, friend.\u00a0 No problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

THE END<\/span>
\nFebruary 2003<\/span><\/center><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Story Summary:\u00a0 Adam is severely injured and when he wants to die, he comes face to face with his Guardian Angel, who appears several times throughout the story.\u00a0 A sort of spoof of the movie \u201cIt\u2019s A Wonderful Life\u201d, but with a different twist.
\nRating and Reader Alerts:\u00a0 Rating is G even though there is pain, suffering and sickness in this story.
\nWords:\u00a0 9,500<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1005,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-cartwright","category-drama","wpcat-1005-id","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47029","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=47029"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47029\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=47029"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=47029"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=47029"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}